On 27 August 2021, SARS provided further guidance on the correct tax treatment of crypto assets and how this must be declared in people’s tax returns. SARS published a document on its website entitled Crypto Assets & Tax. The publication should...
Self-service facility for GEPF members
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 16, 2021
Technology is making it easier for GEPF members and pensioners to keep track of their pension information and claims process. By downloading the new GEPF self-service mobile app onto your device, you can remove the frustration of standing in long...
Video: Being rich vs being wealthy
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 14, 2021
In his book The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel writes about the difference between being rich and being wealthy. He defines riches as an income you earn, because that allows you to take on the debt to buy that R800 000 car or R40 000 handbag....
High-risk land investment leaves angry investors out of pocket
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 13, 2021
Many South African investors who bought UK property developments through SA-based property marketing company SJ Capital, have seen no returns for over 11 years. Investigations have found that the investment is extremely high risk and that investors...
Listen: Top tips for financially savvy kids
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 10, 2021
Maya (@mayaonmoney) chats to certified financial planner Gugu Sidaki (@gugusidaki) about ways to skill our children so that they can better manage money as adults. Gugu is author of My 3 Piggies, a series of books for kids all about money. Also...
Treasury’s solution to early withdrawal
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 9, 2021
As part of its ongoing retirement reform process, National Treasury is proposing the introduction of a two-bucket retirement system to provide for shorter and longer-term needs. John Anderson, executive at Alexander Forbes, says it may work along...
Video: Marriage and money
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 7, 2021
When couples marry, including Customary Marriage, they will automatically be married under community of property, unless they sign a separate antenuptial contract. This is seen as a way to protect women, especially those who stay at home to raise...
The NSSF will not meet the needs of South Africans
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 6, 2021
While noble in its aim, the establishment of a National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is largely unworkable. In August, the department of Social Development issued a Green Paper on Comprehensive Social Security and Retirement Reform, which outlined a...
Life insurers see a 44% jump in death claims
Guest AuthorSep 3, 2021
Death claims statistics released recently by the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA) have shown a massive 44% jump in lives lost with an overall increase of 64% in the value of claims paid compared to the previous year....
Do you have an unclaimed benefit with the GEPF?
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 2, 2021
The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) is concerned with the increase in the number of unclaimed benefits and wants to pay them out. If you are a former government employee who did not claim a pension on retirement, it is possible that you...

Previous Articles
Video: Your money behaviour
Aug 31, 2021
Have you ever wondered how your money behaviour compares to that of your peers? Where do they save? What do they spend their money on and how much debt do they have? On this edition of Money Matters, we chat to Akash Dowra, Head of Client Insights at Discovery Bank,...
Nothing shocking about new retirement fund emigration rules
Aug 30, 2021
South Africans seem to live in constant fear of the government going after their savings. New tax rules for emigrants' retirement funds is just the latest development to fuel this anxiety. Andre Tuck, Senior Investment Consultant at 10X Investments, has a close look...
Listen: Juggling motherhood in the gig economy
Aug 27, 2021
Mapalo Makhu (@womanandfinance) rejoins Maya (@mayaonmoney) on the My Money, My Lifestyle podcast after taking a break to have her second child. She shares her experiences of having a child while having to meet client deadlines, and emphasises the importance of having...
Proposed additional exit tax leaves industry experts confused
Aug 26, 2021
Tax Consulting SA gives the lowdown on a new draft tax bill which essentially proposes an additional exit tax on retirement funds. It is not uncommon for National Treasury and the South African Revenue Services (SARS) to propose, and subsequently gazette, amendments...
Video: Five tax myths
Aug 24, 2021
Many employees don't understand the complex tax calculations made by their companies and they often question these deductions. According to tax specialist Tanya Tosen, there are five key things an employee needs to understand when it comes to their tax. Myth one:...
Struggling with car debt? Take action now!
Aug 23, 2021
According to the Experian Consumer Default Index, repayment of car debt has shown a marked deterioration as the extended Covid-19 lockdown puts South Africans under more financial pressure. Marc Friedman, CEO of car sale platform Weelee.co.za says that to avoid a...
GEPF establishes complaints handling office
Aug 19, 2021
If you are struggling to get your claims processed or not receiving your benefits, help is at hand with the recent establishment of the Government Employees Pension Ombud (GEPO). The state is the largest employer in the country, and the Government Employees Pension...
Video: Money is different for women
Aug 18, 2021
Did you know that 80% of women will manage their own finances during their lifetime, either because they have remained single, gotten divorced, or been widowed? And the reality is that money and finances are different for women. Why? We know from South African salary...
What does a financial plan look like?
Aug 16, 2021
I often write about the importance of having a financial plan – knowing your goals and how you are going to achieve them. But it is about more than just a financial plan. It is also about how you want to live your life and whether that plan reflects your values. I...
More households supporting unemployed family
Aug 12, 2021
For many working South Africans, the pressure of financially supporting friends and family is unrelenting. Most of us have either experienced a job loss or have a family member who lost an income due to the extended Covid-19 lockdown. It is not surprising then that...










